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Ashleigh Rielly

What does an educational psychologist do?

  • Writer: Ashleigh Rielly
    Ashleigh Rielly
  • Mar 11
  • 3 min read

Many parents, teachers, and students ask: What exactly does an educational psychologist do? An educational psychologist is a registered professional who helps children, adolescents, and students overcome learning, emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges that affect their education. Their goal is to support learners so they can reach their full academic and personal potential.


In South Africa, educational psychologists are regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and work in schools, private practices, universities, and community settings.



The Role of an Educational Psychologist


Educational psychologists focus on understanding how children learn and develop within educational environments. They use psychological principles to assess learning difficulties, emotional wellbeing, and developmental challenges that may impact academic performance.


According to the Health Professions Council of South Africa, educational psychologists are trained to support learners through assessment, intervention, counselling, and collaboration with parents and educators.


Their work often includes:

  • Conducting psychoeducational assessments

  • Identifying learning difficulties

  • Supporting emotional and behavioural development

  • Providing study skills and learning strategies

  • Helping learners cope with exam anxiety and school stress

  • Advising parents and teachers on appropriate support strategies


A child sitting on a carpet while having an assessment sessions with an educational psychologist

Psychoeducational Assessments


One of the key services educational psychologists provide is a psychoeducational assessment.


These assessments evaluate a learner’s:

  • Cognitive abilities

  • Academic skills (reading, writing, mathematics)

  • Memory and attention

  • Emotional functioning

  • Behaviour and social development


The purpose of an assessment is not just to identify difficulties, but to understand how a learner learns best and to provide practical recommendations for parents and schools.

Assessments can help identify:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Dyslexia

  • Dyscalculia

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder related to school stress

  • Giftedness or advanced learning needs



Supporting Learning and Study Skills


Educational psychologists also help students develop effective learning strategies.

Many learners struggle not because they lack intelligence, but because they have not yet developed effective study methods or organisational skills.


Educational psychologists may assist students with:

  • Time management and study planning

  • Memory techniques

  • Concentration and focus strategies

  • Exam preparation

  • Reducing academic stress


These interventions can improve both academic performance and learner confidence.



Emotional and Behavioural Support


Learning challenges are often connected to emotional wellbeing. For example, a learner who experiences repeated academic failure may develop low self-esteem, anxiety, or school avoidance.


Educational psychologists provide counselling to support:

  • School-related anxiety

  • Low self-confidence

  • Bullying or social difficulties

  • Adjustment to school transitions

  • Motivation and resilience


Their approach often involves working with the child, parents, and teachers together to create supportive learning environments.



Working With Parents and Schools

Educational psychologists play an important collaborative role.

They often work closely with:


  • Parents

  • Teachers

  • School support teams

  • Other professionals such as speech therapists and occupational therapists


This collaborative approach aligns with the principles of inclusive education promoted by the Department of Basic Education (South Africa), particularly through policies such as Education White Paper 6.


Inclusive education aims to ensure that all learners receive the support they need to participate fully in the education system.



When Should You See an Educational Psychologist?

It may be helpful to consult an educational psychologist if a child:


  • Struggles significantly with reading, writing, or mathematics

  • Has difficulty concentrating or staying organised

  • Experiences severe exam anxiety or school stress

  • Shows sudden changes in academic performance

  • Appears disengaged or resistant to school

  • Requires a formal educational assessment


Early intervention can make a significant difference in a learner’s academic journey.



The Goal: Helping Learners Thrive


Ultimately, the role of an educational psychologist is to help learners understand their strengths, overcome challenges, and develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. By combining psychological expertise with educational insight, educational psychologists support not only academic success but also emotional wellbeing and lifelong learning.


Should you wish to discuss whether I am able to support your child's journey feel free to contact me.


References


Department of Basic Education. (2001). Education White Paper 6: Special needs education – Building an inclusive education and training system. Pretoria: Government Printer.


Health Professions Council of South Africa. (2019). Scope of practice for educational psychologists. Pretoria: HPCSA.


Santrock, John W.. (2021). Educational psychology (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.


Woolfolk, Anita. (2020). Educational psychology (14th ed.). Pearson.




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